Merrell’s Thrive jacket would have been perfect for that time. The waterproof fabric protects you from the rain, and it’s lightweight to keep you warm without being hot. The “pit vents” were totally new to me, but they come in handy when you need a little extra air.

The women’s Thrive comes in Ink (shown), White and Rainforest. I really like the overall fit of this jacket. The sleeves are long enough which is rare for me. It’s pricey at $189, but I would definitely recommend it.

Specs from Merrell’s site

• Merrell Opti-Shell™ lightweight 2.5-layer rip-stop fabric
• Contoured, adjustable attached hood provides optimum protection
• Two-way pit zip venting eliminates unnecessary heat
• Dual, secure zippered hand pockets

Get it at:

• Merrell.com $189

Okay, here is the short and sweet…

Black Bear wanders into residential beach neighborhood. Fish & Wildlife comes to tranquilize the bear and relocate it to a remote wilderness area. After being shot, bear runs into the gulf of mexico. Bear swims out and shows signs of distress. Adam Warwick swims out to sea and rescues the 375 lb bear!

Adam, a Fish & Wildlife biologist, said “It was just the spur of the moment,” he said. “I’d never be able to live with myself if he drowned.”

All I can say is…. your a better swimmer than me dude.

Read all the details at  Tallahassee.com

If you’d like to find it for yourself though just head up a trail on the nearest mountain. At lease that’s what a recent study suggests. Reuters did an article on this and here is what they had to say…

“Far from being a sport that just provides thrills for testosterone-fuelled risk-takers, mountaineering actually helps gives people perspective in their lives, according to Lee Davidson, senior lecturer at the University of Victoria’s museum and heritage studies program.

“It’s a way to look for meaning in life, it gives people a sense of focus, makes them see what’s really of value,” Davidson, a climber herself, told Reuters.”

I’d have to agree with the article. There is a serenity and peace that can be found in remote wilderness areas, in the mountains, that is difficult to achieve in a world of concrete and steel. Sitting and watching a sunset crawl below the snowy peaks with only one sound in your ear, wind, can be deep. When mountaineering or backpacking comes up in conversation, people think I’m some crazy Xtreme person for taking part. They simply don’t understand that it’s more about slowing down, clearing your mind, and pushing your body to reach a place that most people will never see. The view from a mountain is sort of like putting a chair in the corner of your bedroom and standing on it. Looking around you see everything from a different angle. You gain new knowledge and appreciation for everything.

Get out.

via Sierra Blogging Post

In the backpacker article, the author Dougland McDonald, keeps a bag of poop at his desk for some time to test and see if it stinks. Well Douglands shit don’t stink… at least in a baggie it doesn’t.

McDonald talks about his experiences pooping up high here at the Mountain World blog. He talks about the two brands of bag you can use and how they perform. Enjoy your Monday…

Mountainsmith Achilles Backpack - $84.97 here… regularly $169.95

SD 45 degree Womens’ Topaz - Long - $87, regularly $174

Gregory Wingate Backpack - $114… regularly $229

Simond Bumper Climbing Helmet - $39.95… regularly $79

Henri Lloyd Storm Barrel Duffel Bag - $29.95… regularly $69

SD Sirius Backpacking Tent - $74.50… regularly $149.95

]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2008/07/17/killer-outdoor-gear-deals/feed/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2008/07/17/caution-naked-climbers/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2008/07/17/caution-naked-climbers/#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:00:15 +0000 Wade http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=710 For those “back-to-nature” type bachelors out there looking for ways to decorate their pad.

There really is some great photography here. (feel free to use that line on your wife…)

This Link not safe for opening if: you are at work, a married guy, have a girlfriend you like, or you don’t like art.

via The Piton

“Blackwater E&E is unlike any other adventure race on the planet. This 24-hour race will test teams of two against one another as they run, mountain bike, paddle, swim, and climb their way across a challenging course designed to test them at every turn. Along the way, they’ll face the Blackwater obstacle course, the infamous SEAL team “log PT”, an optional orienteering course, and a few other surprises that could only come from Blackwater and the team behind Primal Quest, the “World’s Most Challenging Human Endurance Competition”.”

This would obviously be a good race for triathletes and other endurance athletes, but the organizers also recommend it to military personnel, police officers, firefighters, or anyone else looking to add a little adventure and challenge to their life. For more information and to register, go to http://blackwateree.com. Registration opened yesterday on the website.

I’m not sure what the reasoning was for the leather straps that line the heel. They don’t add to the looks at all, and they feel strange when you first put them on. I’ve worn them a couple of times to work (with pants to hide the back), and they were comfortable once I got used to the “heel cage.” If I could somehow remove all the straps, they might make a decent shoe.

Some specs:

• Vegetable tanned footbed
• Footbed wrap with rope
• Aegis™ Antimicrobial Footbed
• Q-Form™ Alignment System

Get them at:

• onlineshoes.com $74.95
• shoemall.com $74.95

I had the chance to test out the Merrell Waterpro Toro. At first glance, I thought I would wear them around for a weekend or two while I am running around to fly shops, visiting the future In-Laws, etc. But every time I needed to do all of the stuff above, plus run to the grocery store, check the mail, go to do wedding stuff, I found I was clasping the buckle on these very comfortable shoes to do the everyday stuff. I am not much of a fan of the open toe sandal, because I usually end up fishing in them and I like my toes to be protected from rocks and gravel, but these shoes are great for the boat, canoe, kayak or just any day when you feel like getting out and about. The shoes are easy to slip on and adjust with Velcro straps on the front and rear of the shoe and nylon buckle on the middle strap. Once the shoes are adjusted, you only need to use the buckle to secure the shoe to your feet. The Merrell Waterpro Toro sandal is my new “Go To” foot wear when I headed out to play.

Specs from the web:

• Webbing and synthetic leather uppers wrap feet securely and adjust at toe, instep and heel for a highly personalized fit.

• Once adjusted, use buckles on instep straps to get in and out; remove the padded heel straps to easily convert sandals to slides.

• Lycra® spandex and neoprene linings are soft against your skin and dry quickly.

• DeepDish™ contoured, compression-molded EVA footbeds cradle and center feet for action; Aegis™ antimicrobial treatment keeps odors at bay.

• Air Cushion® midsoles provide shock absorption and cushion for high-impact wear.

• Thermoplastic urethane stability posts provide rearfoot support.

• Injection-molded nylon forefoot flex plates supply flexible support and protection from sharp rocks.

• Nonmarking Vibram® Water Pro Plus Sandal™ outsoles with TC5+ rubber and razor-cut siping deliver amazing wet-surface traction.

• All synthetic construction is vegan-friendly

You can also buy bottled water, energy bars, and other parts like chain lube. It even comes with a built in rack to hang your bike on while you work…

Now we just have to teach people how to change a tire…. and ride a bike.

Via Treehugger